Are you Real ID ready? Everything you need to know ahead of the May 7 deadline

What is Real ID?

It has actually been around for the last twenty years. However, it was not enforced until May 7th. For some history, in 2004, Congress passed a law requiring a national digital identification system to improve driver’s licenses and personal identification security. This came from the aftermath of the September 11th terrorist attacks. Beginning May 7, 2025, a Real ID will be required to board domestic flights and to enter federal facilities.

How to obtain a Real ID?

Each state has its own process for issuing Real IDs; the specific documents required will vary. In California, for example, you must provide one Proof of Identity and two Proof of Residence.

Below is a list of those documents:

Proof of Identity

Valid U.S. passport or passport card (Preferred)
Original or Certified copy of U.S birth certificate (issued by a city, county, or state vital statistics office). “Abbreviated” or “Abstract” certificates are NOT accepted.
Valid Permanent Resident Card
Foreign passport with valid U.S. Visa and approved I-94 form
Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship
Certified copy of birth certificate from a U.S. Territory
Valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Card (I-766) or valid/expired EAD Card with Notice of Action (I-797 C)
Valid Permanent Resident Card with Notice of Action (I-797 C) or Approval Notice (I-797)
U.S. Certificate of Birth Abroad or Consular Report of Birth Abroad of U.S. Citizen
Valid foreign passport stamped “Processed for I-551”
Documents reflecting TPS benefit eligibility

Proof of Residence

Home utility bill or cellular phone bill (Preferred)
Records from any state or national bank, state or federal savings association, trust company, industrial loan company, state or federal credit union, or any institution or entity that has issued a credit card
Insurance documents, including medical, dental, vision, life, home, rental or vehicle
Medical documents
A document issued by a U.S. government agency, meaning the entity, office, or authority governing over a country, state, county, city, municipality, district, agency, department, or any other political subdivision of a country or state
Mortgage bill
Employment documents
Tax return (either Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) Faith-based document that includes the name and address of organization)
Rental or lease agreement with the signature of the owner/landlord and the tenant/resident
School documents issued by a public or private primary, secondary, or post-secondary institution, college, or university that includes the applicant’s date of birth. If using a foreign school document, it must be sealed by the school and include a photograph of the applicant at the age the record was issued.
Change of Address Confirmation by the U.S. Postal Service
Property tax bill or statement
Letter attesting that the applicant resides in California from a homeless shelter, shelter for abused women, non-profit entity, faith-based organization, employer or government agency within the United States
Deed or title to residential real property
Voter registration confirmation letter or postcard issued by the California Secretary of State or a local California county elections officer
Proof of payment of resident tuition at a public institution of higher education in California
An original copy of an approved Claim for Homeowners’ Property Tax Exemption (BOE-266) form filed with a local California County Assessor
Court documents that list the applicant as a resident of California
California Certificate of Vehicle or Vessel Titles or registration
A DMV No Fee Identification Card Eligibility Verification (DL 933) form, completed and signed

Can you still fly without a Real ID?

Yes, you can, but you will need to provide additional identification. Below is a list of accepted identification that you will need to present at TSA checkpoints:

State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License
U.S. passport
U.S. passport card
DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
Permanent resident card
Border crossing card
An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs).
HSPD-12 PIV card
Foreign government-issued passport
Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
Transportation worker identification credential
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

How do you know if you have a Real ID?

Look for the star on your driver’s license or ID. For example, in California it will have grizzly bear with a star. Here are some examples:

Do minors need a Real ID?

A minor (under 18) can obtain a Real ID in California. However, it is not required when traveling domestically in the United States.

Do I still need a Real ID, if I have CLEAR?

Yes, you do. While CLEAR Plus members can upload their passports in the CLEAR app. A Real ID is still required to present to TSA at the checkpoint. Here is their FAQ regarding their policy with Real ID.

Conclusion

As the deadline looms, DMVs across California and other states have seen an increase in booking appointments. If you cannot obtain one ahead of the deadline, just be prepared to show additional documentation.

Happy Travelz!

What it’s like to be an Airline Gate Agent

Ever wondered what it’s like to be an airline gate agent? This customer service role is not just about calling out boarding groups, scanning boarding passes, and closing flights. It’s a crucial job involving various tasks and challenges, making it both demanding and rewarding.

Let’s step into their world:

As your Gate Agent, I strive to provide you with the best customer service possible.
As your Gate Agent, I strive to ensure you have a safe and on-time departure.
As your Gate Agent, I will keep you informed about your flight.
As your Gate Agent, I need to ensure your flight has a complete flight crew.
As your Gate Agent, I will call out several times for volunteers to gate check bags to ensure boarding isn’t held up due to lack of overhead bin space.
As your Gate Agent, I need to ensure the boarding process is as smooth as possible.
As your Gate Agent, I can ask you to step aside for being a gate lice (someone who attempts to board with the boarding group they are not assigned too).
As your Gate Agent, I can deny you from boarding the aircraft.
As your Gate Agent, I can have you escorted off the airplane.
As your Gate Agent, I can have you escorted off the airport.
As your Gate Agent, I can upgrade your seat.
As your Gate Agent, I can change your seat.
As your Gate Agent, I can help rebook you if your flight plans change due to delays or cancellations.
As your Gate Agent, I will ensure any unaccompanied minors traveling are safely on board and transferred to the flight crew.
As your Gate Agent, I must ensure you adhere to our carry-on luggage policy.
As your Gate Agent, I cannot control the weather.
As your Gate Agent, I cannot fix the airplane, that is the job of the maintenance crew.
As your Gate Agent, I cannot control runway congestion.
As your Gate Agent, I cannot push out the aircraft from the gate so your aircraft can park.
As your Gate Agent, I cannot control lost baggage, that is the job of the ramp crew to ensure your bag is loaded on the aircraft.
As your Gate Agent, I cannot pack your bag for you.
As your Gate Agent, I cannot call the pilot and ask them to return to the gate because you missed your flight.
As your Gate Agent, I cannot control the congestion at the checkpoint.
As your Gate Agent, I cannot control traffic on the way to the airport.
As your Gate Agent, I cannot give you a courtesy wake up call to ensure you arrive to the airport on time.
As your Gate Agent, regardless of how unreasonable or entitled you come at me. My goal is still to provide you with the best service possible.

We all aspire for a seamless and stress-free travel experience. However, there are times when our journey doesn’t go as planned. A cancelled or delayed flight, long checkpoint lines, lost baggage, or unfavorable seating assignments. In these moments, it’s the gate agent who bears the brunt of our travel woes. Let’s take a moment to acknowledge their efforts. They, like us, are not perfect, but they are doing their best to ensure our safe and timely arrival at our destination.

If you’re a gate agent or ever worked it. Share your thoughts.

Happy Travelz!

Part 1 – Stop With The Hacks! 5 Social Media Hacks That Are a Complete Waste of Your Time!

As a travel enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for ways to enhance my travel experience. I’ve learned that saving money, getting the best service, and reaching my destinations swiftly and efficiently are key. In this quest, I’ve encountered numerous social media hacks. Some have proven to be effective, while others have been a complete waste of time. This has inspired me to start a series of ‘Stop With The Hacks!’ posts in the near future. But first, let’s delve into these five:

#1 – Fake a wheelchair request

What’s The Hack:

Most airports, if not all, have dedicated wheelchair lanes. This allows passengers using this service to expedite their passage through the TSA checkpoint. Due to this expedited process, some have suggested falsifying a wheelchair request to obtain a wheelchair. Some have suggested wrapping your leg, wearing a boot, or using a neck brace, among other options. Basically, look as beat up as possible so you can request a wheelchair at the ticket counter.